I've selected 40 Buddhist inspired artworks by 36 astounding international artists showcasing an eclectic array of reverence for, appropriation & criticism of the Buddha as a symbol. This isn't your obachan's Buddhist art.
Hisashi Tenmyouya 天明屋尚 (Japan)
HAIKU: Buddha
4 truths, 8 pillars
From prince to ascetic monk
& his family?
Christopher Beikmann of Fusion Idol Studio (US)
Kenta Torii (Japan/Mexico) - Instagram
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Buy Buddha Prints, Pillows, Phone cases & More
Buddha aka Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini in modern-day Nepal, around the year 563 BCE & raised in Kapilavastu. After the birth of young prince Gautama, an astrologer prophesied that Siddhartha would either become a great king or renounce the material world to become a holy man, depending on whether he saw what life was like outside the palace walls.
Archan Nair (India)
● Society6: "Day Dream" Print, Phone Case, Pillow & More
King Śuddhodana was determined to see his son become a king, so he prevented him from leaving the palace grounds. But at age 29, despite his father's efforts, Gautama ventured beyond the palace several times. Known in Buddhist literature as the four sights, he encountered an old man, a sick man, a corpse & finally, an ascetic holy man, apparently content & at peace with the world. These experiences prompted Gautama to abandon royal life & take up a spiritual quest.
Thongchai Srisukprasert ธงชัย ศรีสุขประเสริฐ (Thailand)
Ru Xiaofan 茹小凡 (China/France) - Artsy
Tik Ka 迪嘉 (China)
The day following Asahna Bucha is known as Khao Phansa or 'Buddhist Lent'. It marks the beginning of the three-month ‘Phansa’ period, during which all monks should stay in their temples and not travel. During the lent period, elaborate wax candles are kept burning.
Takashi Murakami 村上隆 (Japan)
Kouji Oshiro (Japan/Peru)
Gonkar Gyatso (Tibet) - Artsy
In Nepal & neighboring Southeast Asian countries, Buddha's birthday is celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist calendar, which usually falls in April or May. In many East Asian countries Buddha's Birth is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, except in Japan, observed on April 8 & Taiwan, 2nd Sunday in May.
Daybreak Lai 黎明 (China)
Shotaro Honda 1893-1939 (Japan)
Amit Shimoni (Israel)
Victo Ngai (China/US)
Paul Kaptein (Australia)
Gunduz Agayev (Azerbaijan)
Michael Joo (Korea/US)
Alexandre Perotto (Brazil)
Twitter - Instagram - Society6
● Society6: "Colorful Buddha" Phone Case, Tote Bag & More
Alexandre Perotto (Brazil)
Twitter - Instagram - Society6
● Society6: "Colorful Buddha" Phone Case, Tote Bag & More
Tomas Overbai (US)
DeviantArt - Instagram - Etsy
Snazzygaz aka Garyck Arntzen (South Africa/England)
Instagram - DesignByHumans - Society6
● Society6: "Gautama Buddha" Phone Skin, Pillow, Tee & More
Snazzygaz aka Garyck Arntzen (South Africa/England)
Instagram - DesignByHumans - Society6
● Society6: "Gautama Buddha" Phone Skin, Pillow, Tee & More
Wu Ming Zhong 武明中 (China)
Tibetan Book of Proportions 18th Century
Rittirong Katasila (Thailand)